Chris Hutchinson – Shelbyville, Tennessee 

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE INDUSTRY?
I bought my first TWH when I was in my early twenties. My friends teased me for buying a “gaited horse” as they were riding trotters but by early afternoon on trail rides, they were wanting to trade rides.

WHAT HORSES DO YOU CURRENTLY OWN AND WHO ARE THEY IN TRAINING WITH?
Philip Trimble and his staff are my trainers. They are a great team to work with along with my barn family who are the best cheerleaders, video and picture takers around. WGC We Will Rock You and his sister We Are The Champions – aka Queen are in training at PTS. WC & 2xRWC Dulcinea is living life as an expectant mom to a Titelist foal who will be born in the fall.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PAST WORLD GRAND CHAMPION AND WHY?
There are too many great horses to pick one favorite.

IF THERE WAS ONE AREA OF THE INDUSTRY YOU COULD CHANGE OR RAMP UP, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Our youth are the future, let’s find a way to get them involved and excited about riding and showing like we were when we were kids. Not just in our industry, but overall, we need to find a way to engage them, get them off their electronic devices and into the present moment.

IF YOU WERE NOT AT THE BARN OR A HORSE SHOW, WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME?
I have been an avid gym rat for over 40 years. MG Fitness is where I head after my stalls are cleaned. In my younger years, I was a competitive body builder and raced Porsches. Prior to that I competed on the swim and dive team on a local and state circuit. I collect recipes and love to make desserts.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TV SHOWS, MOVIES OR NETFLIX FEATURES HAVE YOU BEEN BINGE WATCHING DURING THE PANDEMIC?
I love old movies. I spent time with my grandparents as a kid watching movies that are now considered “classics”. Grey’s Anatomy, This Is Us and A Million Little Things are my favorite weekly shows.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR SHOW CAREER THUS FAR?
Definitely winning the 2019 Novice World Grand Championship on We Will Rock You. It was a dream come true. I cried when "We Will Rock You" by Queen was played on our victory pass and the crowd joined in. It was an honor that I will never forget.

WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM CAN YOU GIVE TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY ON THE PANDEMIC?
Have faith in yourself, do your research and what is right for you. My dad was an incredibly wise man, growing up he told me that it was my job to live my life in integrity and do what was right regardless of what anybody else did.